overheating

DWRIGHT

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
9
I have a 165 hp Mercruiser closed cooling system. I have replaced the impeller and the t-stat. the problem I am having is that the antifreeze always overfills the overflow contain and is not sucked back into the cooling system when the t-stat opens. Engine runs at 120 to 140 unless it is run at full throttle then it will heat up to about 160. Any suggestions?
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: overheating

DWRIGHT: I have the identical set-up (3.7L 165HP, closed cooling) and run a 180 degree t-stat. I have experienced overheating, but it has always been related to the lower unit impeller or cooling system leak, reducing pressure in the system. Your problem does not sound like overheating, since you're running very cool. I am suspicious of the temps you are getting.<br /><br />First check the cap to determine if it is not holding the appropriate pressure and releasing coolant from the system. This seems to be the likely culprit. Also check the upper exhaust elbow, at idle it should be cool enough to hold if sufficient raw water is circulating.<br /><br />When my temp rises at idle, it's a good sign I'm due to replace the lower unit impeller (every other year). Also check coolant levels when engine is cold. The exhaust elbow resevoir assembly should be filled to the top and the over-flow should fill to the "cold" line. I don't mean to be condescending, just don't know your expereince level.<br /><br />Didn't get into other issues because you didn't specifically report over-heating. There has been an enourmous amount of discussion about overheating with the 470 and 3.7L Mercruiser engines, you can search the forum. Good luck
 

DWRIGHT

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
9
Re: overheating

I changed the cap before the last outing 16lb cap and the impeller was changed two weeks ago. When I checked cold the overflow was still full. It appears that the antifreeze is not being sucked back.
 

akriverrat

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
588
Re: overheating

that running temp seems to be low for closed cooling... more what you would expect for raw water cooling. does it have 160 degree tstat? are the connections to the res. tank tight? do you see bubbles in heat exchanger when engine running?leaky head gasket.
 

DWRIGHT

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
9
Re: overheating

the t-stat is 140, no bubbling. Overflow resevoir just keeps filling up and overflowing
 

akriverrat

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
588
Re: overheating

does the engine coolant get low? could the heat exchanger be leaking internally? closed cooling can be checked with standard automotive tester.
 

DWRIGHT

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
9
Re: overheating

the coolant appears to be getting low because it is coming out of the cap on the overflow. I will pressure test the cooling system tonight as you have suggested. Anything else that I should be checking for while i am doing this.
 

akriverrat

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
588
Re: overheating

reasons for excessive coolant going to overflow...bad seal on cap from wrong cap, nicked seat,distorted neck. system overpressure from overheating, head gasket or neck/manifold gasket leak, heat exchanger internal leak, or overfilling. for not returning to engine...anything that would break the vacumn.any leak in the system that could pull in air easier than pulling coolant back from tank. block water pump shaft seal comes to mind...might it also pull air into system while engine running cold?
 
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